Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for giving me this opportunity to discuss the new framework of housing adaptation grant schemes, which my Department introduced on 1 November 2007, and the issue of the transfer of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme from the HSE to my Department.

As the Senator will be aware, to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes by older people and people with a disability my Department recently completed a review of the disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes. A primary aim of the review was to streamline the administrative and operational procedures governing the schemes to facilitate easier and quicker access by applicants to the grants available.

In introducing the new framework of grant schemes I have been very much aware of the needs of some of the more vulnerable members of our community. In this context, I have introduced standardised schemes across all local authority areas. This has resulted in the removal of the inconsistencies and inequities which had existed in the application and approval process. I have streamlined the application process, including through the introduction of standardised application forms which all local authorities are required to use, the introduction of panels of contractors to assist applicants in sourcing quotes and the standardisation of costs to ensure transparency for all applicants. Furthermore, to ensure applicants are not subject to undue delays in accessing occupational therapy assessment, revised and simplified arrangements have been established.

Applicants who are experiencing difficulties with grant applications can access the customer care support offered by individual local authorities, including through lo-call customer care telephone services and customer care desks. I assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to monitor the new schemes in consultation with local authorities to ensure the application process is as simple and user friendly as possible.

As regards the transfer of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme to my Department, the Senator will be aware that, following a recommendation which arose from the core functions of the health service report, the Government decided in February 2006 that a more integrated service would be achieved by transferring responsibility for the special housing aid for the elderly scheme from the HSE to my Department. It has been always understood that the transfer of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme from the HSE to the local authority sector would pose significant challenges. In recognition of this and to ensure the satisfactory resolution of all outstanding issues, including staffing arrangements and the practical operation of the scheme on the ground, it has been agreed with the HSE that the special housing aid for the elderly scheme will continue to operate and be administered by the HSE until such time as all outstanding issues arising from the transfer are fully and satisfactorily resolved. In the meantime, my Department continues to work closely with the HSE and local authorities to achieve a smooth and seamless transfer of the scheme.

I am particularly aware that the integrity and the holistic and flexible nature of the scheme must be maintained under the new regime and, in this context, specific mechanisms will be implemented in order that the needs of the more vulnerable members of our older community, such as those suffering from illiteracy, social exclusion and isolation are addressed. I am confident the new arrangements will provide a more integrated and comprehensive response to the needs of older people.